2026 Holiday Guide
2026 Guide
Celebrate the holidays in one of America's Best Historic Small Towns, Abilene, on December 4-6, 2026
Step back in time with the 49th Annual Heritage Homes Association's Homes for the Holidays Tour, an Old-Fashioned Christmas at the Dickinson County Historical Society, and a Cowboy Christmas at Old Abilene Town.
Explore the historic Seelye Mansion, adorned with over 60 dazzling Christmas trees, and take a festive ride on the Abilene & Smoky Valley Railroad's Cowtown Santa Express. Catch a live holiday performance of Holiday Inn at Great Plains Theatre, and cruise through town to marvel at Griswold-style decorations during the Cowtown Christmas Light Showdown.
Plus, don’t forget to shop small and support Abilene’s local businesses all season long!
See a list of activities at www.AbileneKansas.org/Christmas.
Stay tuned for 2026 updates! We’re busy planning another festive Christmas season in Abilene. Check back soon as we add even more ways to celebrate the holidays in one of America’s Best Historic Small Towns!
Friday, December 4
All Day — Christmas Tree Lane
Follow Christmas Tree Lane through Abilene on N. Buckeye Ave to NW 3rd Street to see a beautiful assortment of decorated Christmas Trees in residential yards.
9 a.m. - 3 p.m. — Christmas Open House at Wilkens Acres
Spot sales, gift bundles, SAMPLES, a chance to win a Holiday Gift Basket!!!
Location: 2323 Fair Rd.
10 a.m. - 4 p.m. — Historic Seelye Mansion Tours
Tour the mansion beautifully decorated for the holidays, filled with festive trees throughout the home, hundreds of nutcrackers, and vibrant poinsettias at every turn.
Tickets available at the door. Location: 1105 N Buckeye.
4 p.m. — Abilene & Smoky Valley Railroad - Cowtown Santa Express
Discover the magic of the holiday season on the rails! The Abilene and Smoky Valley’s Cowtown Santa Express sparkles with the glow of the Christmas season, as our antique passenger coaches sparkle with holiday lights and the warm smiles of kids of all ages as our annual Christmas tradition returns to the rails of the A&SV. Last year, over 3,500 people rode the Express to usher in the holiday season, and this year, you can discover the magic of Christmas on the rails for yourself! Cookies and hot chocolate, the music of the season, and of course Santa himself, as he makes his 2026 holiday debut on the train. Trains begin November 20th and are scheduled through December 23. It’s Kansas’ best Christmas celebration! The Cowtown Santa Express on the Abilene and Smoky Valley Railroad!
6 p.m. - 8 p.m. — Old Fashioned Christmas at Dickinson County Heritage Center
7:30 p.m. — Dr. Seuss' How the Grinch Stole Christmas! The Musicial at Great Plains Theatre
Your heart will grow three sizes when you experience this family-friendly holiday celebration live on stage. Featuring the beloved story, characters, and music you know and love, this musical is the perfect way to add a little Whoville magic to your family’s holiday traditions.
Saturday, December 5
All Day — Christmas Tree Lane
Follow Christmas Tree Lane through Abilene on N. Buckeye Ave to NW 3rd Street to see a beautiful assortment of decorated Christmas Trees in residential yards.
9 a.m. - 10 a.m. — Breakfast with Santa
Breakfast will include biscuts and gravy with juice. There will be crafts and story time, and of course your chance to visit with Santa Claus.
Location: Abilene High School Football Field Mezzanine
Tickets are $10 and can be purchased at the Abilene Community Center or by calling Abilene Parks and Recreation at (785) 263-7266. Tickets must be purchased by Tuesday, December 1.
9 a.m. - 4 p.m. — 51st Annual Abilene HandCrafters Winter Market
Come out and celebrate 51 years of quality hand crafted products. Location: Sterl Hall, 619 N Rogers St.
10 a.m. — Abilene & Smoky Valley Railroad - Cowtown Santa Express
Discover the magic of the holiday season on the rails! The Abilene and Smoky Valley’s Cowtown Santa Express sparkles with the glow of the Christmas season, as our antique passenger coaches sparkle with holiday lights and the warm smiles of kids of all ages as our annual Christmas tradition returns to the rails of the A&SV. Last year, over 3,500 people rode the Express to usher in the holiday season, and this year, you can discover the magic of Christmas on the rails for yourself! Cookies and hot chocolate, the music of the season, and of course Santa himself, as he makes his 2026 holiday debut on the train. Trains begin November 20th and are scheduled through December 23. It’s Kansas’ best Christmas celebration! The Cowtown Santa Express on the Abilene and Smoky Valley Railroad!
Learn more
10 a.m. - 4 p.m. — Christmas Open House at Aksent Boutique
Get ready to jingle all the way to Aksent’s Christmas Open House!
Happening Saturday, December 5, from 10am–4pm! We’ll have holiday outfits, stocking stuffers, & the coziest winter must-haves. Come soak up the holiday cheer & shop your heart out!
Location: 309 N Buckeye Ave.
10 a.m. - 4 p.m. — Historic Seelye Manison Tours
Tour the mansion beautifully decorated for the holidays, filled with festive trees throughout the home, hundreds of nutcrackers, and vibrant poinsettias at every turn.
Tickets available at the door. Location: 1105 N Buckeye.
Noon — Abilene & Smoky Valley Railroad - Cowtown Santa Express
Discover the magic of the holiday season on the rails! The Abilene and Smoky Valley’s Cowtown Santa Express sparkles with the glow of the Christmas season, as our antique passenger coaches sparkle with holiday lights and the warm smiles of kids of all ages as our annual Christmas tradition returns to the rails of the A&SV. Last year, over 3,500 people rode the Express to usher in the holiday season, and this year, you can discover the magic of Christmas on the rails for yourself! Cookies and hot chocolate, the music of the season, and of course Santa himself, as he makes his 2026 holiday debut on the train. Trains begin November 20th and are scheduled through December 23. It’s Kansas’ best Christmas celebration! The Cowtown Santa Express on the Abilene and Smoky Valley Railroad!
2 p.m. — Dr. Seuss' How the Grinch Stole Christmas! The Musicial at Great Plains Theatre
Your heart will grow three sizes when you experience this family-friendly holiday celebration live on stage. Featuring the beloved story, characters, and music you know and love, this musical is the perfect way to add a little Whoville magic to your family’s holiday traditions.
2 p.m. — Abilene & Smoky Valley Railroad - Cowtown Santa Express
Discover the magic of the holiday season on the rails! The Abilene and Smoky Valley’s Cowtown Santa Express sparkles with the glow of the Christmas season, as our antique passenger coaches sparkle with holiday lights and the warm smiles of kids of all ages as our annual Christmas tradition returns to the rails of the A&SV. Last year, over 3,500 people rode the Express to usher in the holiday season, and this year, you can discover the magic of Christmas on the rails for yourself! Cookies and hot chocolate, the music of the season, and of course Santa himself, as he makes his 2026 holiday debut on the train. Trains begin November 20th and are scheduled through December 23. It’s Kansas’ best Christmas celebration! The Cowtown Santa Express on the Abilene and Smoky Valley Railroad!
3 p.m. - 6 p.m. — Cowby Christmas at Old Abilene Town
Saddle up for a merry afternoon at Old Abilene Town’s Cowboy Christmas! Celebrate the season with homemade chili, warm cinnamon rolls, hot cocoa, kids crafts, and a festive photo spot that’s perfect for family photos. It’s a cozy way to kick off winter fun. Join us December 6 from 3 to 6 pm in the Alamo and enjoy a cheerful holiday gathering in true Abilene style.
4 p.m. - 8 p.m. — 49th Homes for the Holidays Tour
Deck the Halls: Explore Abilene’s Historic Homes This Holiday Season
Get ready to celebrate the season with a festive journey through Abilene's finest homes and a historic church during the 49th Homes for the Holidays Tour! Join us on Saturday, December 5, 2026, from 4-8 p.m. or Sunday, December 6, 2026, from 1-5 p.m. to experience the warmth and charm of these unique spaces.
From twinkling holiday displays to timeless architectural details, each stop offers its own charm and story.
Tickets will be available starting fall 2026 at West's Plaza Country Mart (1900 N. Buckeye Ave), Abilene Downtown Antiques / Mud Creek Antiques (313 & 319 N. Buckeye Ave), and online at www.LittleTownofMansions.com. Tickets will also be available during the tour.
Celebrate the magic of the season with us and discover the stories and history behind these stunning homes and landmarks on this festive holiday tour.
Proceeds from the Homes for the Holidays Tour support the Heritage Homes Association’s bronze plaque program.
4 p.m. - 8 p.m. — Dr. Seuss' How the Grinch Stole Christmas! The Musicial at Great Plains Theatre
Celebrate the season at Old Fashioned Christmas on December 6 from 4–8 p.m. at the Dickinson County Heritage Center. Experience a beautiful live Nativity and enjoy festive performances in Heritage Hall by fiddlers, Cauy Hayes, and the Abilene High School choir. Admire the creative entries in the 4-H tree-decorating contest, make holiday crafts in the School House, and visit with the family in the historic cabin. Shop the bazaar filled with homemade crafts and baked goodies, and savor traditional treats from the Abilene German Club. Warm up with free cookies and hot chocolate in the Ag Building, say hello to Santa Claus, and enjoy fresh popcorn at the blacksmith shop. It is a wonderful evening filled with holiday cheer!
4:30 - 7:30 p.m. — Christmas Cruise for Food
Donate a canned food item to the Abilene Area Food Bank and join the Christmas Cruise to vote on the best-decorated “Griswold-style” holiday lights in the Cowtown Christmas Light Showdown. Families and friends will love the friendly competition and festive displays!
Note: Food drop off from 4:30-6:30 p.m.
4:30 - 7:00 p.m. — "Seelye in Lights" at Historic Seelye Mansion
Guests can enjoy light refreshments, live music, and a tour of the mansion dressed in holiday glory. Tickets available at the door.
5 p.m. — 2026 Dinner Train: A Taste of Christmas with the Clauses
As the City of Abilene ushers in its annual “Cowtown Christmas” weekend celebration, here’s a special invitation from Santa and Mrs. Claus to join them for dinner on the A&SV’s Smoky Valley Limited dinner train for “A Taste of Christmas with the Clauses.” Broadway Station in Herington has prepared tender, succulent prime rib with Italian chopped salad, baked potato with butter and sour cream, green beans, roll with butter and cheesecake for dessert. And what if we told you that you could also enjoy an afternoon of professional theater at Abilene’s Great Plains Theater, where they’re presenting the special matinee performance of the holiday classic, “The Grinch Who Stole Christmas.” Our train trip begins at 5:00 p.m. as we depart Abilene’s historic Rock Island Depot, for a two-hour journey across the Smoky Hill River Valley with a stop at the Hoffman Mill and General Store in Enterprise, Kansas. Please note: Great Plains Theater patrons will be seated in the Eveland Creek car, while other holiday travelers will be seated in the Chicago and Enterprise coaches. The theater and dinner package is purchased directly through the Great Plains Theater box office at 785-263-4574. If you purchase dinner tickets without the theater performance, those reservations can be made here online. Don’t miss “A Taste of Christmas with the Clauses” on the Smoky Valley Limited of the Abilene and Smoky Valley, the Kansas Heritage Railroad!
6 p.m. — Live Music by Tim Peaver at Rackets Tap House
After enjoying Cowtown Christmas, round out your night at the Tap House for live music with folk and blues pickin' songster Tom Peaver. Enjoy our hot cocoa stand for all ages, in addition to our regular menu and offerings. Get into the holiday spirit with a beautiful afternoon in festive Downtown Abilene!
*Note: Live music begins at 6 p.m., but Rackets is open 2 - 10 p.m.
Location: 303 N Broadway
7 p.m. — Mayor's Holiday Tree Lighting & Santa Visits at Little Ike Park
7:30 p.m. — Turn in Cowtown Christmas Light Showdown Ballots
Location: Amanda's Bakery & Bistro, 302 N Broadway
7:30 p.m. — Dr. Seuss' How the Grinch Stole Christmas! The Musicial at Great Plains Theatre
Your heart will grow three sizes when you experience this family-friendly holiday celebration live on stage. Featuring the beloved story, characters, and music you know and love, this musical is the perfect way to add a little Whoville magic to your family’s holiday traditions.
7:45 p.m. — Cowtown Christmas Light Showdown Winners Announcement
Cowtown Christmas Light Showdown winners will be announced on site at 7:45 p.m.
- 1st Place - $1,000 —
- 2nd Place - $500 —
- 3rd Place - $250 —
- Mayor's Choice $100 — City of Abilene
Sunday, December 7
All Day — Christmas Tree Lane
Follow Christmas Tree Lane through Abilene on N. Buckeye Ave to NW 3rd Street to see a beautiful assortment of decorated Christmas Trees in residential yards.
1-4 p.m. — Historic Seelye Mansion Tours
1 p.m. - 5 p.m. — 49th Homes for the Holidays Tour
Deck the Halls: Explore Abilene’s Historic Homes This Holiday Season
Get ready to celebrate the season with a festive journey through Abilene's finest homes and a historic church during the 49th Homes for the Holidays Tour! Join us on Saturday, December 5, 2026, from 4-8 p.m. or Sunday, December 6, 2026, from 1-5 p.m. to experience the warmth and charm of these unique spaces.
From twinkling holiday displays to timeless architectural details, each stop offers its own charm and story.
Tickets will be available starting fall 2026 at West's Plaza Country Mart (1900 N. Buckeye Ave), Abilene Downtown Antiques / Mud Creek Antiques (313 & 319 N. Buckeye Ave), and online at www.LittleTownofMansions.com. Tickets will also be available during the tour.
Celebrate the magic of the season with us and discover the stories and history behind these stunning homes and landmarks on this festive holiday tour.
Proceeds from the Homes for the Holidays Tour support the Heritage Homes Association’s bronze plaque program.
2 p.m. — Dr. Seuss' How the Grinch Stole Christmas! The Musicial at Great Plains Theatre
Your heart will grow three sizes when you experience this family-friendly holiday celebration live on stage. Featuring the beloved story, characters, and music you know and love, this musical is the perfect way to add a little Whoville magic to your family’s holiday traditions.
2 p.m. — Abilene & Smoky Valley Railroad Cowtown Santa Express
Discover the magic of the holiday season on the rails! The Abilene and Smoky Valley’s Cowtown Santa Express sparkles with the glow of the Christmas season, as our antique passenger coaches sparkle with holiday lights and the warm smiles of kids of all ages as our annual Christmas tradition returns to the rails of the A&SV. Last year, over 3,500 people rode the Express to usher in the holiday season, and this year, you can discover the magic of Christmas on the rails for yourself! Cookies and hot chocolate, the music of the season, and of course Santa himself, as he makes his 2026 holiday debut on the train. Trains begin November 20th and are scheduled through December 23. It’s Kansas’ best Christmas celebration! The Cowtown Santa Express on the Abilene and Smoky Valley Railroad!
4 p.m. — Abilene & Smoky Valley Railroad Cowtown Santa Express
Discover the magic of the holiday season on the rails! The Abilene and Smoky Valley’s Cowtown Santa Express sparkles with the glow of the Christmas season, as our antique passenger coaches sparkle with holiday lights and the warm smiles of kids of all ages as our annual Christmas tradition returns to the rails of the A&SV. Last year, over 3,500 people rode the Express to usher in the holiday season, and this year, you can discover the magic of Christmas on the rails for yourself! Cookies and hot chocolate, the music of the season, and of course Santa himself, as he makes his 2026 holiday debut on the train. Trains begin November 20th and are scheduled through December 23. It’s Kansas’ best Christmas celebration! The Cowtown Santa Express on the Abilene and Smoky Valley Railroad!